Never felt like this before - Leah Williamson

Love

September 2021

Olivia's POV
Today is MD 1 in the WSL and I couldn't be more excited. Just when my alarm went off I stopped it and got up to get ready for the day. First, I went to the kitchen to make some scrambled eggs and toast to eat for breakfast, then I put the dishes in the dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen counter a little bit before getting ready.

Once in my room, I grabbed the speaker and connected it to my phone in order to put my match day playlist to get me into the mood, after all, we start the season strong, with a London Derby. Hopefully I'll get some minutes in the second half.

Not long after, I started to pack my bag and I got dressed in some arsenal joggers and hoodie, soon I was out of my apartment and heading to London Colney where the team would go all together to the Emirates Stadium. Yes, the Emirates Stadium, I actually can't believe that we're going to play at the big stage, that is something I've been dreaming to achieve since I started to play for Arsenal, and to think that today I'll be there as a player wether I play or not it's something that makes me feel really proud.

After 25 minutes driving I arrived and instantly found some of my teammates already there. I parked the car and started walking towards them. There were Katie, Viv, Lisa and Jen who as soon as they saw me they greeted me, they asked me how I was feeling about the season starting and me possibly making my second debut here. I must say that I do feel nervous but I won't let the nerves get to me because maybe I don't even play this match, who knows.

"Girls come on! Get in" Jonas says.

We all get on the coach and I sit a row behind Viv and Lisa and rested my head on the window while putting my airpods. I put on my match day playlist and stare out the window zoned out, thinking about nothing really and just deep in my thought until I felt a presence beside me which made me turn my head. Leah had sat down and smiled at me which I happily returned I grab her hand and interlocked our hands. We didn't really speak during the journey as we were concentrated for the match.

Once we got there, we went to the changing rooms and I saw my shirt there. Seeing my jersey hanged in the cubicle made it clear to me that I was not in fact dreaming and it was very much true that in less than an hour I would be on the Emirates Stadium pitch. I know not a lot of people are going to be there, however I know one day I'll be in a sold out stadium watching the women's team wether I'm a player or a fan, and I can't wait for that.

-

No one's POV
Here we are! The WSL season 21/22 begins today and what a better match to start with than a London Derby. Chelsea and Arsenal a classic match, with the new signings I think the battle will be in the midfield. Arsenal has just signed Olivia Anderson who previously played for them but two years ago moved to Bayern and well, now she's back. I think it's a good addition to the team she'll bring energy and creativity at creating chances. Maybe she will get her second debut today.

kick off - Chelsea start with the ball, Cuthbert passes the ball directly to one of the centre backs to plan the attack.

10' - Chelsea had her first chance but Zinsberger saved the shot. A good save.

14' - Arsenal now has now the ball and is preparing the attack, McCabe has space to run and she passes it to Miedema who saw the space and... GOAL! WHAT. A. GOAL. from Vivianne Miedema! Arsenal take advantage in the score.

20' - Arsenal misses a great chance on scoring. Arsenal's team is playing so good, everyone's doing her role and I feel another goal will come soon.

44' - Oh, Chelsea has now a counter attack and WOW CUTHBERT SCORES! To equalize the match just before half time. Incredible.

49' - Miedema has now the ball, she looks up and spots Mead and GOAL! Arsenal leads the match.